Left to right: Dr Victor Ling (TFRI president), Catherine Thibodeau (convention manager), Marie Dubé (human resources), Darrell Fox (TFRI senior advisor), Claude Harrison (front desk), José Oliveira (housekeeping) and Dr. Anne-Marie Mes-Masson (TFRI Quebec Node Leader and chair of the 2014 ASM). Photo credit: Dominique Lalonde.
Montreal -- TFRI’s fifth annual scientific meeting (ASM) in Montreal, Quebec this spring wrapped up with a surprise cash donation of a $1,000 for Terry Fox research.
Staff and management at the Hyatt Regency, the host hotel for our meeting, came forward with an envelope filled with cash collected on site from employees. The donation was matched by management. The cash was presented by Marie Dubé, director of human resources, to Darrell Fox, TFRI’s senior advisor. “We really believe in what you are doing and this is such an important cause to all our staff here,” remarked Dubé. “Cancer affects us all.”
“This gift capped a wonderful experience in Montreal for our research family. We thank everyone at the Hyatt who very generously gave to support Terry’s cause and the research done in his name. We are so honoured by your kindness,” said Dr. Victor Ling, TFRI’s president and scientific director. “It is because of you that we are able to do undertake the research we do and we hope it will make a difference in the lives of your loved ones and others who are affected by cancer.”
Four of the hotel employees who attended the donation presentation ran with TFRI researchers during the Early Morning Run on May 9th. A number run weekly as part of “Run with Claude,” an informal employee run group at the hotel. The 5th ASM was held May 8-10th.